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Russian Propaganda Increasingly Uses AI-Generated Songs Glorifying Ukraine Invasion
Russians are creating and spreading AI-generated music that glorifies the invasion of Ukraine. The songs are being distributed through platforms built in the United States.
AI Boom Is Propping Up Stocks and the Economy, but Foundation Looks Fragile
A NYT columnist argues the artificial intelligence boom has pushed up the stock market even as falling interest rates have pulled it down. The analysis describes AI as a powerful but fragile force supporting both equities and the broader economy.
Iran Continues Weekly Drone and Missile Attacks on Ships in Strait of Hormuz
Iran has been launching drones and missiles at commercial vessels in the waterway each week, according to a Western security official, though it has often failed to hit its targets. Oil flows through the strait have nonetheless risen.
China Resumes Fuel Export Curbs as Domestic Inventories Dwindle
China has again begun limiting exports of refined products because its own stockpiles of crude oil and refined fuels have fallen. The move is tightening global energy markets.
US Presses Europe to Release Diesel Reserves as Trump Threatens Export Ban
President Trump has threatened to ban US diesel exports to ease domestic prices ahead of the November elections. Washington is also pressuring Europe to release its diesel reserves.
China Moves to Limit AI Use as Citizens Embrace It for Everything
Chinese citizens are using AI for entertainment, relationships and even farming advice, producing a problem of excessive usage. The government is stepping up efforts to set limits on how the technology is used.
California Law Aims to Limit Utility Profits and Expand Home-Based Virtual Power Plants
Gov. Newsom signed several bills this week, including one advancing virtual power plants that draw more clean energy from homes. The package also seeks to curb utility profits.
OpenAI Fires Workers for Mishandling Sensitive Information
OpenAI dismissed employees who were investigated for sharing data with an outside AI evaluation group. The company said the workers mishandled sensitive information.
Ukraine Says Intercepted Russian Plans Target Power, Heat and Water Cutoffs This Winter
Ukraine showed European partners what it said were intercepted Russian plans to cut major cities off from power, heat and water. The plan is described as Russia's most powerful blow yet aimed at freezing the country.
Russia Uses Migrants as Weapons at Latvian Border to Sow Discord in Europe
Russia is channeling migrants toward European borders, including Latvia's, as part of a broader strategy of sowing discord in the West. The scheme is subtler than other recent operations blamed on the Kremlin.
Pilot Stabbed by Co-Pilot on FlyDubai Flight Recalls Midair Attack, Says He "Had to Act"
Capt. Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot midair on a flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Despite serious injuries, he said he acted to prevent a crash. Airlines are now set to bring Israelis back from the UAE, since the attack halted the only direct service between the two cities since the Iran war disrupted air traffic.
UCLA Forecast: California Economy to Keep Growing Slowly With Few New Jobs
The UCLA Anderson Forecast predicts California's economic growth will continue but with only meager job gains.
Justice Department Accuses UCLA Law School of Illegally Using Race in Admissions
The DOJ alleges UCLA's law school violated Title VI and the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling by favoring Black and Latino applicants. UCLA Law says its admissions process is merit-based and complies with Proposition 209.
Newsom Signs Bills Granting Environmental Exemptions to San Diego Stadium Project
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills intended to fast-track a San Diego stadium and housing project by providing environmental exemptions.
Microsoft tests camouflaged, nature-inspired designs to ease backlash over AI data centers
As data centers have ballooned from nondescript office buildings into multi-million-square-foot hyperscale campuses, San Antonio officials like Councilmember Ric Galvan are seeing more facilities arrive in their districts, with the count in his area expected to reach about 20. The story examines whether biomimicry and woodland camouflage can reduce community opposition to the physical footprint of AI infrastructure.
Amazon's AWS CEO urges public to back data centers, warning of risks to economy and security
In a blog post of more than 3,000 words, AWS CEO Matt Garman pushed back on public concerns about data centers' effects on jobs, power demand, and the environment. He argued the US "can't afford to lose" the AI race and said opposition risks irreparable harm to the economy and national security, while dismissing some criticism as misinformation.
Suno adds AI speech generation in public beta, pairing voiceovers with background music
The AI music platform has launched a feature that generates spoken voices from scripts or prompted descriptions. Available now on Suno's web and mobile apps, it can create voiceovers and accompanying music simultaneously. The company says music remains its core focus but that its vision extends to other forms of human expression.
Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger approved; De Luca and Abdy to exit
The roughly $110 billion merger between David Ellison's Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery has been cleared, ranking among the largest entertainment deals of the century. Variety reports that Warner Bros. film chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy will not be part of Ellison's management team once the deal closes.
Donna Langley says better film deal lured Taylor Sheridan from Paramount to Universal
NBCUniversal Entertainment chair Donna Langley secured "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan after his decade at Paramount by emphasizing the film side of his long-term TV and film pact. She said she pursued him after she "saw an opportunity."
BBC staff post laughing emojis during call on £500 million savings plan
Employees expressed defiance over job cuts by posting laughing emojis on a Microsoft Teams management call discussing the BBC's £500 million ($660M) savings plan. The incident signals growing staff unrest over the steady stream of cost-cutting announcements.
Ben Affleck says he used AI "for lots of things" on Netflix's "Animals"
Affleck, who co-wrote, directed, and stars in the film, said he "did use" artificial intelligence in its making, though he called it "a very human movie." The comments follow his sale of an AI firm to Netflix earlier this year; "Animals" premieres Oct. 9.